Charismatic crown princesses Maxima of the Netherlands and Mary of Denmark each brought a little bit of their respective countries to Japan on Tuesday.

The vibrant young royals, who both donned cheerful springtime hats for their outings, are accompanying their husbands on the trip to help celebrate the 2005 World Expo in Nagakute.

And both royal ladies had plenty on the agenda. Mary, wife of Crown Prince Frederik, visited the Hans Christian Andersen Park in Funabashi city, where she was greeted by throngs of children waving Japanese and Danish flags. Renowned for her ability to get into the spirit of things, Mary enthusiastically painted schoolkids' faces and assisted a seven-year-old boy to plant a tree.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander's spouse was busy at the World Expo's Dutch pavilion. The pregnant princess happily received a bouquet of flowers from one of the event's kimono-clad ambassadors, and enjoyed an animated chat with Japan's Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.

1. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark paints children's faces at the Hans Christian Andersen Park in Funabashi city
2. Australian-born Mary assists a seven-year-old boy to plant a tree in the park, named after the Danish fairytale author

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__________________Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift... That's why it's called present...

Even when they're tending to their royal duties, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and his spouse Princess Mary can't disguise the fact they are truly smitten with one another.

Now on an official jaunt to Japan, the young couple, who have been married just under one year, seem to relish their moments together.

Whether setting sail to tiny origami boats in a pond at the Nordic pavilion, or sitting closely together at one of many World Expo events, Frederik and Mary never miss the chance to exchange loving glances or share a laugh in what appears to be a private joke.

Despite being surrounded by a crowd, the romantic royals clearly only have eyes for each other.

1. The joy the couple take in each other's company was evident at every turn as they joked and laughed together over Frederik's origami efforts
2. As Mary gazes lovingly at her husband, the warmth and affection which characterises their union was clear for all to see
3. Even the simplest of duties - setting sail to tiny paper boats in a pond, for example - sets a romantic scene

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__________________Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift... That's why it's called present...

I don't say this to be critical as I think she has looked gorgeous in every outfit (except for maybe the asymetrial suit on the first day - not to my taste) but is there a reason why her wardrobe on this trip has been almost entirely lacking in colour? blacks, whites, creams, neutral - just a little odd.

POLFOTO 18.04.2005 Danish Crown Princess Mary, 2nd from right, exchanges words with Dr. Yasuko Uchigata, 2nd from left, 18 Apr. 2005 at the diabetic center of Tokyo Women's Medical University in Tokyo, Japan. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark are currently on their official visit to Japan

Not all persons have the same future and what occured to Prince Joachim and Countess Alexandra of Frederiksborg was different. If Mary and Fred would like to keep their relationship intact through the years to come, they should strive hard to make their marriage intact and overcome their problems.

__________________Never let go of anyone that you could not go a day without thinking about. There just might be a very good reason why they're always on your mind. Sometimes, it's the brain that knows too well what the heart tries so hard to deny~ ~ Anonymous ~ ~

to talk about mary's wardrobe for a minute - I think the cream coat above with the stand-out collar, was the same coat she wore when she arrived into Australia at the start of the australian tour. anyone else spot this recycling? full points to mary for making it look completely new!

Yep!! we saw all that before with joachim and Alex ...... and......now ........ divorce is on the air.

I don't think that is a very fair statement. Even though Joachim and Alex are now divorced, we still really have no idea what exactly happened between the two of them. We can't say that what happened between those two will happen to Fred and Mary. They are two different people and who to say how they will weather any storm in their relationship?

__________________"Always do what you are afraid to do."- R.W. Emerson